Two women holding a banner at center as a phoenix rises above; set design from 'Il Fuoco Eterno' 1674

This etching by Mathäus Küsel, titled "Two women holding a banner at center as a phoenix rises above; set design from 'Il Fuoco Eterno'," dates back to 1674 and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. It depicts two women holding a banner with Latin text, while a phoenix, symbolizing rebirth, rises above them amidst a radiant sky. The dramatic lighting, clouds, and the use of allegorical figures point to the artist's Baroque style, reflecting the era's interest in grandiosity and the divine. This artwork is a testament to the enduring legacy of the phoenix as a symbol of hope and resilience.